CONDUCTORS on Arriva Trains Northern are planning to abandon their picket line and turn up to work to continue their pay row.

They are considering having "no fares" days where passengers will not be obliged to pay ticket collectors to travel on its services, which includes the Liverpool-trans-Pennine route.

The move comes after talks broke down on Wednesday between Arriva bosses and union officials in London over pay rises offered to conductors and guards which fell short of large increases recently given to drivers.

The union says the decision to ditch strike action in favour of "no fares" days is aimed at hitting the firm's profits while still providing a regular service for passengers. Stan Herschel, regional organiser for the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union, said: "If this is going to go on for a long time the travelling public are going to get slaughtered. We decided to seek legal advice on what to do instead of a strike.

"That advice said it was OK if we have a ballot. I think when the situation is explained clearly to our members they will see it is a positive move."

Last night, Arriva continued to maintain the consistent line that the door is open for "meaningful discussions". "ATN remains available at any time for meaningful discussions with the RMT and urges the conductors not to create further inconvenience."